How to Write Compelling and Believable Character Arcs
Creating memorable and well-rounded characters is essential to a successful fantasy novel. Whether you're crafting a hero, a villain, or an anti-hero, you need to make sure that your characters undergo a significant and believable transformation.
Nothing is more annoying than reading a book or watching a show where the characters start and end exactly the same.
It can be tough to devise a meaningful and believable arc for your character, I know, I’ve been there. In fact the main character Lieut from Chaos of Choice began life as different type of character entirely.
I had even written the first of the books before I decided to change him completely. So essentially I trashed the 400 pages I had just written and rewrote the whole thing.
Turned out for the best though.
But this is why it’s crucial to get your characters right and craft a meaningful development.
Here are some tips to help you create compelling character arcs that will keep your readers invested in the story.
Establish a Starting Point
To create a character arc, you need to start by establishing where your character is at the beginning of the story.
What are their strengths and weaknesses?
What are their fears and desires?
This starting point is crucial because it sets the foundation for the character's growth throughout the story.
For example, if your protagonist is a shy and introverted character who lacks confidence, their arc might involve overcoming their fears and developing the courage to stand up for themselves.
Pro tip: It may help to write all this down in a diary. In fact why not write some diary notes that are from the character’s perspective so you can garner an insight into your character’s mind and feelings.
Give Your Characters a Goal
Every character needs a goal, whether it's to save the world or to find a lost artefact. A character's goal provides direction and motivation for their actions and is a crucial aspect of their character arc.
The key to a successful character goal is to make it challenging but achievable. If the goal is too easy, the character won't experience much growth, but if it's too difficult, they may give up before they achieve it.
In many ways the goal of your main character will be the actual plot of the story. But don’t forget about the secondary characters.
What are their goals and ambitions?
Do they align of conflict with your MC?
Maybe those goals will change or be forced to change during the story.
Create Conflict and Obstacles
The most interesting character arcs are those that involve conflict and overcoming obstacles. These challenges force your character to grow and change in ways they may not have thought possible.
When crafting your story, consider what obstacles your character will face on their journey.
Will they have to battle a powerful enemy, overcome their own weaknesses, or make a difficult sacrifice?
Whatever the challenge, it should push the character out of their comfort zone and force them to confront their flaws.
I’ve mentioned this previously, but putting my characters in the toughest situations I can think of is something I do on a regular basis.
It’s fun, try it.
Show, Don't Tell
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: when it comes to character development, it's essential to show, not tell.
Don't just tell your readers that your character has changed, show them through their actions, thoughts, and dialogue.
For example, if your character has overcome their fear of heights, show them confidently climbing a tall tower, rather than simply stating that they are no longer afraid.
So it through their actions and decisions how previous events have changed them. At one stage your Commander Shepherd was tormented at the thought of sacrificing one of their crew, but by the end they are willing to sacrifice a whole planet to win the war.
Your character will change during the story. Either they will or everything around them will.
If neither happens then maybe it’s time to bin the book and start again.
Or maybe not. It’s your story, you decide.
Bring It Full Circle
A successful character arc should bring the character full circle, returning them to a similar but different state than where they started.
This completion of the character arc creates a sense of satisfaction for the reader and provides a natural conclusion to the character's journey.
If they don’t learn or change slightly, then nothing has changed and your story arc failed.
Sure, you might be going for a character that is unyielding in their views or goals, but as I said before: if they don’t crumble and reform then everything around them will.
When two powerful forces collide one will eventually give way to the other.
Conclusion
Creating compelling character arcs is crucial to writing an interesting novel.
By:
establishing a starting point,
giving your characters a goal,
creating conflict and obstacles,
showing rather than telling, and
bringing the arc full circle,
you can craft characters that will keep your readers invested in the story.
With time and practice, you'll be able to create dynamic and unforgettable characters that will stand the test of time.
Till next time.
If you want to learn more about building a believable and immersive fantasy world in your writing check out my other posts:
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